Ginebra vs Meralco Game 4: Complete PBA Finals Breakdown and Key Highlights

Walking into the arena for Game 4 of the PBA Finals between Ginebra and Meralco, I could feel the kind of electricity that only a championship series can generate. The air was thick with anticipation, the stands a sea of red and yellow, and every fan knew this wasn't just another game—it was a potential turning point. I've covered dozens of finals in my career, but there's something special about this particular rivalry. It’s gritty, it’s personal, and it often comes down to who wants it more. Both teams entered the game with two wins apiece, but momentum is a fickle friend, and I had a feeling tonight would test more than just skill—it would test heart.

From the opening tip, Ginebra came out with an intensity that felt almost overwhelming. They were moving the ball with purpose, finding open looks, and crashing the boards like their lives depended on it. Justin Brownlee, as always, was the engine, but what struck me was how the entire roster seemed to feed off the crowd. There’s a quote from one of the players that stuck with me: "I think the flag is more important, it does not matter what sport, for us it’s amazing to come here and try to see somebody make the game lighter for us. I think for this team that’s really important." That idea of playing for something bigger—the flag, the fans, the collective spirit—was palpable in Ginebra’s early execution. They weren’t just playing basketball; they were carrying the hopes of thousands. By the end of the first quarter, they had built a solid 28-20 lead, and you could see the confidence oozing from every possession.

Meralco, to their credit, didn’t back down. They’ve always been a resilient bunch, and Coach Norman Black made some crucial adjustments in the second quarter. They started switching more on defense, disrupting Ginebra’s rhythm, and slowly chipping away at the lead. Chris Newsome was absolutely sensational—I lost count of how many times he drove to the basket with fearless determination. But here’s where I think Ginebra’s experience in high-pressure situations gave them an edge. They’ve been in these dogfights before, and they know how to weather storms. Scottie Thompson, in particular, was everywhere—grabbing rebounds, making steals, and hitting timely shots. At halftime, the score was 52-48 in Ginebra’s favor, but it felt much closer than that.

The third quarter is often where championships are won or lost, and this game was no exception. Meralco came out firing, tying the game at 60-all with about six minutes left. The momentum had clearly shifted, and for a moment, I wondered if Ginebra’s energy was starting to wane. But then something clicked. LA Tenorio, who’s been in the league for what feels like forever, hit back-to-back three-pointers that just sucked the life out of Meralco’s run. It was a veteran move, the kind of play that reminds you why experience matters in these moments. Ginebra closed the quarter with a 10-2 run, and you could feel the arena erupt with a mix of relief and exhilaration. They led 78-68 heading into the final period, and at that point, I thought they had it in the bag.

But Meralco isn’t a team that rolls over easily. They fought tooth and nail in the fourth, cutting the lead to just four points with under three minutes to go. Raymond Almazan was a force in the paint, and I have to give him credit—he played his heart out. Still, Ginebra’s defense tightened when it mattered most. They forced a couple of critical turnovers, and Brownlee took over down the stretch, scoring 8 points in the final two minutes. When the final buzzer sounded, Ginebra had secured a 98-92 victory, taking a 3-1 series lead. Brownlee finished with 32 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists—a stat line that just underscores his value to this team.

Reflecting on the game, I keep coming back to that idea of playing for something larger than yourself. In my years covering the PBA, I’ve seen how teams that embrace that mentality often find a way to win when it counts. Ginebra isn’t just a collection of talented individuals; they’re a unit that understands the weight of the flag they represent. And in a series as tightly contested as this one, that intangible factor can make all the difference. Meralco put up a valiant effort, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they push this to a Game 5, but right now, Ginebra looks poised to close it out. For fans of basketball, it doesn’t get much better than this—high stakes, fierce competition, and moments that remind us why we love the game.